It’s hard enough being an Oncology Pharmacist, but it’s even harder when you have cancer yourself. Matt is joined by Peter Stuessy, PharmD, BCOP for a very special conversation with Ebtesam “Sammi” Ahmed, PharmD, MS, BCMTMS  – Oncology Pharmacist, HOPA member, triple cancer survivor, and Fulbright Specialist Grant recipient. 

Sammi discusses how the journey is far from over when you ring the bell, survivor guilt, lessons learned from experiencing palliative care on multiple continents and, crucially, where to find hope when faced with daunting odds. 

Sammi’s latest paper for the New England Journal of Medicine, about the silent opioid crisis, can be read here: https://catalyst.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/CAT.24.0380  

You can find out more about Sammi’s recommended yoga course for cancer patients here: https://www.mskcc.org/departments/division-subspecialty-medicine/integrative-medicine/programs/yoga-patient  

Following our discussion with Sammi, she recommended this article on the work of Dr. Diane Meier: https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/18/health/scientist-at-work-diane-meier-providing-care-when-the-cure-is-out-of-reach.html  

Interested in contributing to a future episode? Got a topic suggestion? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at communications@hoparx.org